Weather for the week of December 4th

The week of December 4th began with a cool but sunny Sunday with highs in the mid 40’s. The forecast calls for snow and ice overnight and snow possibly turning to rain in the morning on Monday. The temperatures on Monday are expected to start out bawl frizzing and the rise into the high 30’s during the afternoon. Tuesday’s highs will again hover in the mid to high 30’s. A wintry mix may fall in the early evening. The moisture will move out by Wednesday and the temperatures will rise slightly to near 40 degrees. Thursday will be colder with highs barely reaching 32 degrees. The moisture returns to drop snow and rain in the area. Friday will be a few degrees colder with snow showers in the forecast. The temperatures continue to drop on Saturday with highs only in the high 20’s but there is now snow presently in the forecast. Be sure you are dressed appropriately in clothing which will wick away moisture to keep you from developing a chill in cooler temperatures. It is time to break out the winter clothing including gloves and a hat. Clothes that have pit zips are great and layering with non-cotton materials are a must for the varying temperatures. Keeping hydrated in cooler weather can sometimes be tricky as you do not feel as thirsty but hydrating properly will allow you to hike longer and in greater comfort. Be sure to carry water with you as local water sources can be unreliable and may be contaminated. Once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Remember, the weather forecast is only a prediction and always contains percentages. Be prepared and have a plan for the most likely and least likely forecast! Are you prepared to stay out overnight on a trail? Conditions in the morning can change drastically by afternoon. Conditions at the trailhead do not always reflect the conditions on the peaks! Variable trail and weather conditions are a hallmark of these mountains. BE CAREFUL AND BE PREPARED!